Guillaume de Nogaret

Nogaret, Guillaume de (gēyōmˈ də nôgärāˈ) [key], 1265?–1313, French statesman. A jurist, he was a member of the royal council of King Philip IV. During Philip's conflict with Pope Boniface VIII concerning papal authority, Nogaret was prominent in denouncing the pope. In 1303 he led the French troops sent to kidnap Boniface at Anagni. Although Nogaret made the pope his prisoner, he was forced to release him when the populace rose in Boniface's defense. Boniface died (Oct., 1303) within a month, and his successor issued a papal bull (1304) against Nogaret. He finally obtained absolution in 1311. Philip made him keeper of the seal and he was instrumental in the attack on the Knights Templars.